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Churchill County, NV Probate Information
Quick facts
| Category | Current rules |
|---|---|
| Court | Tenth Judicial District Court, Churchill County (Churchill is the district's only county); no separate probate court |
| Filing office | Clerk of the District Court |
| Courthouse | 73 North Maine Street, Suite B, Fallon, NV 89406 (Maine Street, with an e, is the correct street name) |
| Mailing address | Tenth Judicial District Court, 73 North Maine Street, Suite B, Fallon, NV 89406 |
| Phone | (775) 423-6088 |
| Fax | (775) 423-8578 |
| [email protected] | |
| Office hours | Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (closed noon to 1:00 PM); closed legal holidays |
| Filing fee | No fee where the stated estate value is $2,500 or less (NRS 19.013). Above that, the county's posted schedule (effective March 5, 2026) sets tiered totals of $160.50, $259.50, or $512.50 by estate value; pay by cashier's check or money order. See the fees section below. |
| Local probate forms | The court publishes an Affidavit of Entitlement form for a qualifying small estate (presented to asset holders, not filed with the court); it publishes no local petition or administration forms |
| E-filing | Available; the Tenth Judicial District is live with e-filing through eFlex (Tybera) |
| Online case search | Not available; there is no public docket portal for Churchill County |
| Remote appearance | The court posts electronic appearance information; confirm with the clerk whether a hearing may be attended remotely |
| Website | https://www.churchillcountynv.gov/150/District-Court |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file anything in Churchill County, know exactly what is in the estate. The path you take depends entirely on whether there is a will and on the value and type of the assets, and Nevada offers several routes: an affidavit of entitlement for a qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property (NRS 146.080), a set-aside without administration (NRS 146.070), summary administration (NRS Chapter 145), and full general administration. The dollar thresholds that separate these paths are statewide and are explained on the Nevada state page; identify the estate first so you file the right petition once.
Identify every bank and credit-union account, retirement plan, brokerage holding, life-insurance policy, vehicle, and parcel of real property, along with every debt, before you go to the clerk. Whether the decedent owned real property in Nevada is decisive, because the affidavit path is unavailable if there is any Nevada real property. Sunset's asset-discovery work, searching more than 2,300 financial institutions, exists for this step.
Which court handles jurisdiction
The Tenth Judicial District Court serves Churchill County alone, so the court and the Clerk of the District Court both sit in Fallon. The district covers the whole of Churchill County, including Fallon (the county seat), the surrounding Lahontan Valley, and the outlying communities of Stillwater, Hazen, and the Naval Air Station Fallon area. Churchill probate matters are filed with the Clerk of the District Court at 73 North Maine Street in Fallon. Because the district has one seat and, at present, one district judge (Judge Thomas L. Stockard), there is no venue split of the kind seen in the shared rural districts.
Venue for a decedent's estate is governed by NRS 136.010. Venue is proper in any district court in Nevada, subject to an interested person's objection on convenience grounds, in which case the court weighs, in priority order, where the decedent resided at death and where the decedent owned real property. In practice, file in Churchill County for a decedent who lived here. There is no dedicated probate department in the Tenth Judicial District; probate is heard on the court's general docket.
The jurisdiction process
- Gather the documents. Collect the original signed will (if any), a certified copy of the death certificate, the proposed personal representative's contact information and photo ID, the names and addresses of the heirs and beneficiaries, and a list of the assets and debts with values.
- Choose the path based on the estate. Depending on whether there is a will and on the value and type of assets, the route may be an affidavit of entitlement for a qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property (NRS 146.080), a set-aside without administration (NRS 146.070), summary administration (NRS Chapter 145), or general administration. The governing thresholds are statewide and are on the Nevada state page.
- Prepare the petition or affidavit. For an administration, prepare the petition for letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without a will). For a qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property, prepare the affidavit of entitlement instead. The affidavit is presented directly to each bank or asset holder rather than filed with the court, so a qualifying affidavit estate skips the filing and hearing steps below. Nevada has no statewide mandatory form set; the Civil Law Self-Help Center packets and the State Bar of Nevada brochure are the practical starting points, and the court posts an Affidavit of Entitlement form on its Forms page.
- For a court administration (set-aside, summary, or general), file with the Clerk of the District Court in Fallon. File the papers at 73 North Maine Street, Suite B, or by mail to the same address; the Tenth Judicial District is also live with electronic filing through eFlex, so confirm with the clerk whether to file on paper or through the portal. Pay the filing fee: no fee if the stated estate value is $2,500 or less (NRS 19.013); above that, see the county's posted schedule in the fees section below. Bring a cashier's check or money order, because the court does not accept personal checks or debit or credit cards.
- Give notice and publish. The personal representative mails notice to heirs, devisees, and known creditors and publishes notice as required (NRS 155.020), including the notice to creditors that opens the claim period.
- Attend the hearing on the general docket. The petition is set for hearing before the Tenth Judicial District judge on the court's general docket in Fallon. The court posts electronic appearance information, so ask the clerk whether a remote appearance is available for your hearing.
- Receive the authority document. On approval the court issues letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without a will), the proof of the personal representative's authority to act. Request enough certified copies for the banks and institutions involved.
- Administer and close. Inventory and appraise the assets, pay valid claims in statutory priority, and account to the court. A creditor must file its claim with the clerk within 90 days after first publication or mailing of the notice to creditors, reduced to 60 days if summary administration is granted (NRS 147.040). Distribute the remaining assets and close the estate.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Churchill County
Nevada has no statewide mandatory probate form set, and Churchill County publishes no local petition or administration forms of its own. The one probate form the Tenth Judicial District Court posts for self-represented filers is an Affidavit of Entitlement for a qualifying small estate, which is presented directly to asset holders rather than filed with the court (NRS 146.080). For a court administration, the Clerk of the District Court accepts paper petitions prepared to Nevada practice, and the district is also live with electronic filing through eFlex. The court's Forms page instructs that all forms be printed single sided, not double sided. For self-prepared filings, the most complete free resources are the Civil Law Self-Help Center's probate packets (Clark County-focused but the most thorough free self-service probate resource in Nevada) and the State Bar of Nevada's probate brochure. For questions about local intake, e-filing, or what the Fallon clerk needs, call the Clerk of the District Court at (775) 423-6088.
| Resource | What it provides |
|---|---|
| Tenth Judicial District Court forms for pro se litigants | The court's posted forms, including the Affidavit of Entitlement for a qualifying small estate |
| Civil Law Self-Help Center - Probate | Free intro-to-probate guides and estate-administration packets used statewide |
| State Bar of Nevada probate brochure | Plain-language overview of Nevada probate paths and steps |
| Churchill County Clerk of the District Court | Local intake questions, e-filing and paper filing, hours, and the posted fee schedule |
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Probate petition, value of estate $2,500 or less | No fee | Matches the statewide base rule in NRS 19.013 |
| Probate petition, value of estate between $2,501 and $20,000 | $160.50 | Includes the NRS 19.013 $72 base plus statutory add-ons and the county assessment (CC 4.090.060) |
| Probate petition, value of estate between $20,001 and $300,000 | $259.50 | Adds the NRS 19.0302 fee at this tier |
| Probate petition, value of estate more than $300,000 | $512.50 | The top NRS 19.0302 fee tier |
| Contest or objection (probate or guardianship) | $198.00 | Petition to contest a will or codicil, or an objection or cross-petition |
| Lodging an original will (no petition) | $15.00 | NRS 19.013 and 19.03135 |
These figures come from the Churchill County Master Fee Schedule (Resolution No. 3-2026), effective March 5, 2026 and posted on the county's Court Fees page (verified July 2026). Pay filing fees by cashier's check or money order: the court accepts no personal checks and no debit or credit cards (business checks are accepted from legal counsel). The estate-value brackets at $20,000 and $300,000 are NRS 19.0302 fee tiers, not the substantive probate thresholds: they set how much the clerk collects, not which probate path applies. The thresholds that decide between a small-estate affidavit, a set-aside, summary administration, and general administration are statewide and are explained on the Nevada state page. Confirm the current amount due with the clerk at (775) 423-6088 before filing.
Local nuance
Churchill County-specific considerations
One county, one court, in Fallon. Churchill County is the only county in the Tenth Judicial District, so the court and the Clerk of the District Court both sit in Fallon and there is no venue split with another county. Probate is filed with the Clerk of the District Court at 73 North Maine Street, Suite B.
Maine Street is spelled correctly. The courthouse address is 73 North Maine Street, spelled with an e. That is the correct street name in Fallon and is not a typo for Main Street.
E-filing is live here. Unlike most rural Nevada counties, the Tenth Judicial District is live with electronic filing through eFlex (Tybera). Paper filing at the clerk's counter or by mail remains an option; confirm with the clerk whether a given filing should go through the portal or on paper.
Split office hours with a lunch closure. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, closed from noon to 1:00 PM and on legal holidays. Plan filings and questions around the midday closure.
No online case search. Churchill County has no public docket portal. The nvcourts.gov listing for the court is a directory entry, not a case-search tool. To check on a filing, contact the clerk's office directly.
Recent updates
The Churchill County Master Fee Schedule used for the probate fees above (Resolution No. 3-2026) took effect March 5, 2026 (verified July 2026). The Tenth Judicial District is live with electronic filing through eFlex.
Page last reviewed: July 2026.
Scenarios
| Situation | Likely path in Churchill County | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse, co-owned home | If the Fallon or Lahontan Valley home was held in community property with right of survivorship or in joint tenancy, it passes to the surviving spouse outside probate by recording the death certificate and an affidavit of death with the Churchill County Recorder. If the home was in the decedent's sole name and there is a will, the spouse petitions for letters testamentary and files with the Clerk of the District Court in Fallon. Because there is Nevada real property, the affidavit of entitlement path is not available (NRS 146.080). | Asset discovery to confirm how title is held. Packet generation for the qualifying paperwork. Guidance on recording the survivorship documents with the county recorder. |
| Out-of-state adult child, small estate | For a qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property, the child can often use the affidavit of entitlement (NRS 146.080), which is typically handled by mail without a court appearance once the statutory waiting period has passed. If the estate is larger or holds Nevada real property, the child files a set-aside, summary, or general administration petition with the Fallon clerk instead, on paper or through eFlex. The statewide thresholds that separate these paths are on the Nevada state page. | Asset discovery to confirm the estate qualifies and holds no Nevada real property. Packet generation for the affidavit or petition, prepared and notarized in advance so an out-of-state filer can proceed largely by mail or by e-filing. |
| Parent settling a predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | Because the estate holds Nevada real property that must be sold, the affidavit path is unavailable; the parent files a set-aside, summary, or general administration petition (depending on value) with the Clerk of the District Court in Fallon, is issued letters of administration or an order setting the estate aside, and can then convey the home. The Tenth Judicial District judge hears the petition on the general docket in Fallon. | Asset discovery for the child's accounts and property. Packet generation for the administration filing. Attorney referral if the sale or an heir dispute turns contested. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Churchill County Clerk of the District Court, (775) 423-6088 (churchillcountynv.gov) | The filing office for probate; local intake questions, e-filing and paper filing, hours, and the posted fee schedule |
| Nevada Judiciary self-help and court locator (nvcourts.gov) | Statewide self-help resources and the District Courts directory, including the Tenth Judicial District |
| Civil Law Self-Help Center - Probate (civillawselfhelpcenter.org/self-help/probate) | Free intro-to-probate guides and estate-administration packets, the most complete free self-service probate resource in Nevada |
| State Bar of Nevada Lawyer Referral Service (nvbar.org) | Attorney referrals statewide, including for Churchill County probate matters |
| Nevada Legal Services, (866) 432-0404 (nevadalegalservices.org) | Free civil legal help for income-eligible Nevadans, serving rural counties including Churchill |
When to hire an attorney
Most Churchill County estates are uncontested and can be handled without an attorney: a qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property often moves by affidavit of entitlement and mail, and a straightforward administration is filed with the Clerk of the District Court in Fallon, on paper or through eFlex. Consider counsel when the estate holds real property that must be sold, when a will contest or heir dispute is likely, when the estate is insolvent or a formal accounting is demanded, or when the estate includes a business interest or out-of-state property. Sunset can connect families to a vetted Nevada probate attorney serving Churchill County.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset searches more than 2,300 financial institutions and public records to surface bank and credit-union accounts, retirement plans, brokerage holdings, life insurance, Churchill County real estate, and unclaimed property, so you know the estate's value and which Nevada estate settlement path fits before you file.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset assembles the petition or affidavit of entitlement and the supporting paperwork for your path, ready to file with the Clerk of the District Court in Fallon, on paper or through eFlex.
Find a local probate attorney. When a matter is contested or otherwise calls for counsel, Sunset connects families to a vetted Nevada probate attorney serving Churchill County.
Sunset is free for families. Revenue comes from bank partners that pay Sunset while estate funds sit in an FDIC-insured estate account ($3M coverage).
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file for probate in Churchill County?
With the Clerk of the District Court at the courthouse, 73 North Maine Street, Suite B, Fallon, NV 89406, by mail to the same address, or through the court's eFlex e-filing portal. Churchill is the only county in the Tenth Judicial District. There is no separate probate court in Nevada.
Is there e-filing for probate in Churchill County?
Yes. The Tenth Judicial District is live with electronic filing through eFlex, operated by Tybera. This makes Churchill different from most rural Nevada counties, which file only on paper. Paper filing at the clerk's counter or by mail remains available; confirm with the clerk at (775) 423-6088 whether a given filing should go through the portal.
Can I look up a Churchill County probate case online?
No. Churchill County has no public online case portal. The nvcourts.gov listing for the court is a directory entry, not a live docket search. To check on a filing, call the Clerk of the District Court at (775) 423-6088.
What forms do I need for probate in Churchill County?
Nevada has no statewide mandatory probate form set, and Churchill County publishes no local petition or administration forms. The court does post an Affidavit of Entitlement form for a qualifying small estate, which is presented to asset holders rather than filed. For a court administration, petitions are prepared to Nevada practice; the Civil Law Self-Help Center packets and the State Bar of Nevada brochure are the practical starting points.
What does it cost to file probate in Churchill County?
There is no filing fee if the stated estate value is $2,500 or less (NRS 19.013). Above that, the county's posted Master Fee Schedule (effective March 5, 2026, verified July 2026) sets tiered totals: $160.50 where the value of the estate is between $2,501 and $20,000, $259.50 between $20,001 and $300,000, and $512.50 where it is more than $300,000. Pay by cashier's check or money order; the court does not accept personal checks or debit or credit cards. Confirm the current amount with the clerk at (775) 423-6088 before filing.
What are the court's office hours in Fallon?
The Clerk of the District Court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, closed from noon to 1:00 PM and on legal holidays. Plan filings and in-person questions around the midday closure.
Do I have to travel to Fallon to settle an estate there?
Often not. A qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property can usually be handled by affidavit of entitlement through the mail without a court appearance, and administration papers can be filed by mail or through the court's eFlex portal. Where a hearing is required, the court posts electronic appearance information, so ask the clerk whether a remote appearance is available.
What if the estate is small?
A qualifying small estate with no Nevada real property can often transfer by affidavit of entitlement without opening a court case, once the statutory waiting period has passed (NRS 146.080). Slightly larger estates may qualify for a set-aside without administration or summary administration. The dollar thresholds are statewide and are explained on the Nevada state page.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.